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First Degree Newport AR Review


The First Degree Newport is at the lower end of this brand's price range. First Degree have established themselves as a quality maker of fluid rowing machines and enjoy a growing share of the highly competitive commercial market.

So should this model be on your list of potential buys? In short, yes - we definitely think you should. It has many of the features of their commercial rowers at a very reasonable price. However, it doesn't look as stylish as the Vortex or Evolution machines, in fact at best you could describe its looks as... well... functional. But if function is what you're looking for, then this will certainly deliver.

Some may not be swayed by the red frame, but this is a quality built machine and will last for years and take some punishment without complaining. It's one of First Degree's light models, weighing in at just 60 lbs (up to 68 when the tank is filled). But despite the lighter weight it will still handle a user of up to 300 lbs and feels solid when in full flow with the added benefit that it's easy to lift and move. It has transport wheels and store vertically and takes up minimal space when not in use.

It's not too difficult to assemble if you have some experience of putting together flat-pack furniture for example. But you can always get someone to help and it's something you only have to do once.
Check price on Amazon...
First Degree do make great seats. Many a rowing machine is let down by a poorly-designed seat, and when you're planning to spend hours a week sitting on it you need it to be comfortable - and the Newport delivers on this front! It also glides very sweetly and quietly up and down the beam and has a higher than average position - something you'll be thankful for when getting up from a punishing workout :0)

The tough water tank is durable and doesn't appear to suffer from leakage, even after 3 years - something that a number of our WaterRower reviewers have reported with their models. The other innovation First Degree have brought to the market is the two chamber water tank. This means you can change resistance levels by using a valve - see photo to the right - to move water from one to the other without having to drain or re-fill the water level.It took us a while to figure out that the AR in the model name actually means 'adjustable resistance' - DOH! However, this has to be done manually and not as part of a pre-set program that's possible with a magnetic resistance model.
​The Console/ Monitor
The display is large and easily read when working out. It displays all of the workout data you need to know and has a USB port so you can download your performance to your PC. Software available from First Degree's website will let you view your progress overtime which is a great way to stay motivated. It's self-explanatory and requires minimal knowledge to operate.

​However, there are no pre-set programs with this monitor - if you want these, you'll need to look at magnetic rowers, or be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars more.
Summary:
For the price this is a great rowing machine. Water (or fluid) rowers aren't to everyone's taste, but we think the majority of users would certainly not be disappointed. Its looks may not win prizes (it doesn't come close to the WaterRower handcrafted models or the rest of First Degree's machines) but if you're looking for a rower that will get you into shape and last for years to come, then you can't go too far wrong with this one. ​

​Note: This website is an associate of Amazon and a number of other retailers. We earn a commission from sales generated via these links, 
​but this does not influence how we rate the rowing machines we review.
First Degree Newport: 8.0/ 10 8.0 Stars Reviewer: R. Palmer

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rowing machine review likes
We Like...
  • Excellent value for money
  • Quality construction - will last for years
  • The colour (love it - but it's down to personal tastes)
  • The high rowing position and foot plates
  • PC-compatible monitor
  • Smooth action with the pleasant swish of the water
  • Twin-chamber tank for adjusting resistance
  • Comfortable seat
  • First Degree customer service and support
Picture
We Don't Like...
  • The colour (some may not like the red)
  • Looks workmanlike - not a stylish model like the rest of their range.
  • No pre-set programs
  • Heart rate strap is not included
 
rowing machine review specification
Technical specification:
Resistance type:
Max user weight:
Dimensions:
Machine weight:
Water
300 lbs

78" x 21" x 20"
68 lbs
(inc water)
Picture
Warranty:
5 years on frame
2 years on tank
1 year on all parts

QUICK REFERENCE
FirstDegreeNewportRef

Click to enlarge
First Degree Newport rowing machine side view
The First Degree Newport
First Degree Newport seat
Comfortable and quiet glide seat


First Degree Newport adjustable resistance lever
Adjustable resistance valve
​

First Degree Newport display
Informative display
The First Degree Newport AR stored in vertical position
Light and easy to move and store
 

Also worth a look:

If this price is a little over your budget you could check out another of First Degree's models, the Neptune. Or if your budget is tight, the Stamina Wave is a good option.  For a little more, WaterRower's Natural is more pleasing to the eye and offers an excellent rowing experience. A worthy alternative would be the air resistance Concept2 Model D.

User comments

Other users comments will appear here soon

Own a Newport AR? Please share your views with us:-
"I have used the rower a fair amount now. It is a fun rower to use. Setup was a little complicated, but Youtube videos helped clear up most of the confusion. I do not notice a ton of difference between the different resistance levels, but there is some change. The seat is a little wobbly, but that is not noticeable when rowing unless you move from side to side a lot. I tried out a dual-rail First Degree Fitness rower at a local store and that felt far superior to the one I have -- if I ever upgrade, I will definitely get a dual-rail water
rower. The best part is the sound of rushing water with every stroke. For the money, I think it is a solid rower." J.K

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  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Benefits
    • weightloss
    • Rowing Machine Technique
    • rower verses exercise bike
    • rower verses treadmill
    • rower verses elliptical cross trainer
    • Injuries
    • Setting Goals
  • Brands
  • Buyers Guide
    • Compare
    • Types
    • used
    • Dropshippers
    • terminology
    • retailer strategies
    • Buy from store or web
    • Help
  • UK Rowers
  • Workouts
    • Example Workouts
    • Tabata Rowing Workouts
    • Time Trial Workouts
    • Duration Workout
    • Heart Rate Training Programs
    • Rowing Machine Workout Program
    • Training Apps
    • Bad Workout Habits
  • Concept2
    • Model D vs Model E
  • WaterRower
  • Blog
  • The zone
    • Awareness and Focus
    • Peak Performance Zone
  • Fitness Tests
    • Cardio Vascular Fitness Test
    • Balance Test
    • Coordination Test
  • Maintenance
    • mats
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Your Privacy
    • Disclaimer